The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

OK, so we get a new manager from somewhere. His first task is who does he want from the near 30 players who have played some part already this season. If
it were me I would keep Snedker, Hughes, Emposchontif, Black, Hicks, Tee, Ngwa, Corden, and Kanga and Abimbola. They are the basis of a reasonable squad. I would have to seriously consider whether to keep Connor, Cooper, Dawkins, and Bunga. I would release Fossen, Worsfall Gregg, Mananga, and Lashley. The "Maxwell Boys" deserve to be kept and nurtured for the future rather than just despatched to the Northants Combination never to be seen againn. Gray, Pinto Leite, Chikamba, Surace, Watson. Bademosi and Quintero. The next question is where does Maxwell fit into things. Despite all the angst surrounding him he has produced some promising youngsters and brought in Corden and Kanga,two bright spots in an otherwise bleak season.

I'd say the first problem will be finding the players to match a budget in order for the club to complete the season. Anyone remember Weymouth?

sussexdiamond wrote: Tue Nov 22, 2022 5:59 pm The "Maxwell Boys" deserve to be kept and nurtured for the future rather than just despatched to the Northants Combination never to be seen againn. Gray, Pinto Leite, Chikamba, Surace, Watson. Bademosi and Quintero.

You'd rather have them spend 70/80 minutes on the bench or two hours at Rushden Lakes than get 90 minutes in a competitive men's football environment?

Not sure what you are saying. I think you misunderstand my comment. I am saying we need to keep these youngsters, they could be our future. But used sparingly not four or five in the same game. I would prefer they are on loan or dual reg to Step 5 clubs but at least playing in Northants Combination they grow as a team together.

I am going to be Pessimistic and say there wont be a new manager, those that make up the new board once in place in my opinion will find a cupboard bare. Given the massive increase of costs to the club and unless we bring forward kick off times as we go deeper into winter to lessen our power usage its going to be a miserable slog to the end of season keeping the clubs head above water.

On that happy note and hopefully i am totally wrong and that all our new board members lived in NN10 9

Biggles wrote: Wed Nov 23, 2022 10:31 am I am going to be Pessimistic and say there wont be a new manager, those that make up the new board once in place in my opinion will find a cupboard bare. Given the massive increase of costs to the club and unless we bring forward kick off times as we go deeper into winter to lessen our power usage its going to be a miserable slog to the end of season keeping the clubs head above water.

On that happy note and hopefully i am totally wrong and that all our new board members lived in NN10 9

I agree but not for same reason. We have 3 Board members already plus very likely David Kalicki being re elected. I don't know for certain but if the original members voted for Richard Maxwell then it would only take one new member to support RM and he could be retained on a 5-3 vote or maybe 4-4 with whoever becomes Chair having the casting vote. I am expecting David Bland to be new Chairman.

sussexdiamond wrote: Wed Nov 23, 2022 9:01 am Not sure what you are saying. I think you misunderstand my comment. I am saying we need to keep these youngsters, they could be our future. But used sparingly not four or five in the same game. I would prefer they are on loan or dual reg to Step 5 clubs but at least playing in Northants Combination they grow as a team together.

From what I've seen they do need to be kept, so I agree there was some misunderstanding. You might win something with kids but you won't win much. There's no difference in playing standard between the bottom of Step 6, where most of the Northants clubs find themselves and the top of the Northants Comb

Biggles wrote: Wed Nov 23, 2022 10:31 am Given the massive increase of costs to the club and unless we bring forward kick off times as we go deeper into winter to lessen our power usage its going to be a miserable slog to the end of season keeping the clubs head above water.

I track & document the matchday facilities readings for every match. The electric costs (which as well as floodlights (this time of year), includes urns, and electric water heating/changing room heating) is only a part of the general matchday costs - which would also include players, stewards and match officials etc.. so a relatively small %age overall.

The current floodlights run at about £17 per hour (this is at current rates - likely to go up 80% mid December currently from various quotes we have had) - so whilst there is some saving bringing forward kick offs - it's just under a couple of adult tickets. Bringing forward may save a bit, but then also lose a few fans that can't make it earlier - it's a hard balance and would vary - as weather plays a role in if people will turn up or not (as well as current status & performances).

We have an early 12:30 one coming up due to World Cup matches and clubs can ask league if fixtures can move earlier, normally 1-2 hours.

We've been lucky recently too with very few Tuesday night matches - aside from the upcoming one v Tamworth, which saves a couple of hours worth of floodlights (We do have them on a bit before matches once fans arrive - initially near side, then full once gates open, and also a bit after for clearing etc.., though go back to half lights quite quickly).

Anyway the new board just have to just wait a month, Andy Peaks will be sacked by Tamworth after throwing away his 10 point lead and plummeting down the table and he will come back to the promised land of Rushden and lead us to glory again .

Biggles wrote: Wed Nov 23, 2022 5:02 pm Anyway the new board just have to just wait a month, Andy Peaks will be sacked by Tamworth after throwing away his 10 point lead and plummeting down the table and he will come back to the promised land of Rushden and lead us to glory again .

Many a true word said in jest